Treatment with Aqueous Extract fromCroton cajucaraBenth Reduces Hepatic Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Diabetic Rats

Abstract

Croton cajucara Benth is a plant found in Amazonia, Brazil and the bark and leaf infusion of this plant have been popularly used to treat diabetes and hepatic disorders. The present study was designed to evaluate the oxidative stress as well as the therapeutic effect of Croton cajucara Benth (1.5 mL of the C. cajucara extract i.g.) in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Croton cajucara Benth was tested as an aqueous extract for its phytochemical composition, and its antioxidant activity in vitro was also evaluated. Lipid peroxidation and superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione reductase activities were measured in the hepatic tissue, as well as the presence activation of p65 (NF-κB), through western blot. Phytochemical screening of Croton cajucara Benth detected the presence of flavonoids, coumarins and alkaloids. The extract exhibited a significant antioxidant activity in the DPPH-scavenging and the hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase assays. Liver lipid peroxidation increased in diabetic animals followed by a reduction in the Croton-cajucara-Benth-treated group. There was activation of p65 nuclear expression in the diabetic animals, which was attenuated in the animals receiving the Croton cajucara Benth aqueous extract. The liver tissue in diabetic rats showed oxidative alterations related to the streptozotocin treatment. In conclusion the Croton cajucara Benth aqueus extract treatment effectively reduced the oxidative stress and contributed to tissue recovery.

Polyploidy Analysis and Attenuation of Oxidative Stress in Hepatic Tissue of STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats Treated with an Aqueous Extract ofVochysia rufa

“…Hyperglycemia is associated with metabolic change in the liver, especially loss of body weight and antioxidant imbalance [ 29 , 30 ], which occurred in the present study. Medicinal plants can reduce the effects of diabetes, mainly because of their hypoglycemic properties and capacity to counteract oxidative stress [ 15 , 16 , 31 ].…”

“…For years, various people around the world have used medicinal plants to manage diabetes [ 7 – 12 ]. Studies have shown that plants can have beneficial effects on diabetic complications [ 13 , 14 ], especially on hepatic oxidative stress [ 14 – 16 ]. V. rufa Mart.…”

Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Aqueous Extract of Myrtus Communis L. Berries on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

“…Once excessive free radicals are formed, they diffuse into cells and form mitochondrial enzyme injury and DNA fragmentations, which lead to cellular damage and complications of DM 26 . Supporting these findings, approaches aiming to treat DM complications with antioxidant molecules and plants are based on the oxidative stress mechanism of DM 27,28 . GSH is a key element of the non-enzymatic antioxidant system.…”

Microscopic Characterization of Croton cordiifolius Baill. (Euphorbiaceae)

“…7 Among the proven pharmacological activities can be highlighted antioxidant, 2,8 anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive, 9 leishmanicidal, 10 antidiarrheal, 11 antiulcer, 12 anti-atherogenic and anti-ischemic, 13 cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antiviral, antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic and weight loss actions. [14][15][16][17] Due to the chemical compounds already described for many Croton species, such as mono and sesquiterpenes, diterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and alkaloids, it can be characterized as a promising source of bioactive molecules and as a remarkable potential for research. 18 The growing interest in studying the various species of the Croton genus has resulted in the isolation and identification of more than 100 compounds currently known in Brazil.…”